Booth Tarkington



Booth.jpgSummary



Booth Tarkington was one of the most influential and popular authors of the 1920's. With education from both Purdue and Princeton, Tarkington began writing at the age of 30 selling over five million books. Tarkington's first books consisted of English romances. He later comprised his somewhat comical works on the problems of Midwestern life. In these literature works Tarkington writes about both the upper and middle classes, which he both experienced. These books, such as Penrod, Penrod and Sam, The Magnificent Ambersons, and Alice Adams became quite popular, two of which were made into critically acclaimed movies. In all of his novels, Booth Tarkington contrasts between a simpler nineteenth century with the "roaring" twenties. Here, Tarkington describes the industrialization and urbanization of America. In his later years Booth contributed to society ever more by making generous gifts to various Indianapolis colleges and even volunteering for both World War I and World War II. Finally, Tarkington served a term in the Indiana House of Representatives passing legislation against progressivism. Tarkington can best be described as an old-fashioned man, whose attitude on the era is portrayed within his texts.

Famous Works



  • The Gentleman from Indiana (1899)
  • Monsieur Beaucaire (1900)
  • The Two Vanrevels (1902)
  • In the Arena: Stories of Political Life (1905)
  • Beasley's Christmas Party (1909)
  • Penrod (1914)
  • The Turmoil (1915)
  • Penrod and Sam (1916)
  • Seventeen (1916)
  • The Magnificent Ambersons (1918
  • Alice Adams (1921)
  • Gentle Julia (1922)
  • The Midlander (1924)
  • The Plutocrat (1927)
  • Claire Ambler (1928)
  • Penrod Jashber (1929)
  • Mirthful Haven (1930)
  • Mary's Neck (1932)
  • The Fighting Littles (1941)
  • Presenting Lily Mars (1933)
  • Kate Fennigate (1943)

Links



Home

The Magnificent Ambersons

Alice Adams

References



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